Trout Creek celebrates 38th Huckleberry Festival
Everyone on the floats seemed to be having a great time being apart of the parade. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
The parade showcased some amazing cars during the 38th annual Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek this weekend. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
As the parade finished, every person in the crowd got a wave of thanks before they headed into the festival for the days events. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Smokey the bear made sure he made an appearance during the parade on Saturday. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Many great huckleberry products were on display in Trout Falls this weekend, incluing soap from Tina Bothwell of Busy B Farms.(Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
There was a fantstic crowd that moved through the festival this year. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
L-R Cynthia Habegger, Steven Habegger, Sharon Habegger and Ellie Habegger of Trout Creek looking for the perfect spot to watch the parade. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Keith Meyers of Libby was passing out flyers for the Caveman of the Kootenai performance on Sunday. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Parade Grand Marshell vehicle of the 2017 Huckleberry Festival. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
VFW members that kicked off the parade and the crows clapped and cheered as they passed by. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
4-H members of Sanders County joined in the parade at the festival. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Kate and her dad Brad Hergert cooling down with some ice cream during the festival. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
A bagpiper with the Irish Bag Pipe band that has become a staple at the festival. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Even the cowboys were seen to have some snacks on the saddle as they walked passed festival goers. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
The Irish band and dancer got the crowd excited for the festival start after the parade. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Hand fulls of candy kept the crowd in great spirits Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Pride for veterans were seen all through the parade. This dressed up vehicle was a hit as they handed out some candy to all those that waved and smiled. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
There was plenty of American Pride as a group of moped riders displayed some great riding techniques as they moved through the parade. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Behind one massive mountain float, were some great outdoor enthusiasts showcasing their love for the great outdoors. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Everyone took part in the theme and dressed to impress as they walked the parade. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Festival goers got to see a little trick riding as part of the parade. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Ed Mueli of Kalispell with his hand made bird houses on display at the festival. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
Tina Bothwell of Busby B Farms showcasing her amazing products at the festival. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
The Huckleberry is used for so many dishes, the taste is one that can be hard to describe. Yet it’s the Festival in Trout Creek each year that brings Huckleberry lovers together for a weekend of indulgence.
Trout Creek locals were seen not only displaying handmade items for sale, but also getting in on the festivities over the three-day event. From the parade to taking part in the Jam & Jelly contest it was easy to see why Trout Creek is known as the Huckleberry Capitol.
“From the moment that we raised the flag it has been a fantastic weekend,” said Festival Chair Debb McNary.
This year’s theme was ‘Home Sweet Huckleberry’, and McNary says that everyone involved in the festival really got into the theme.
“This year we had Dave and Deb Lyman as the Grand Marshals for the parade. We always strive to incorporate all those in our county and this year we wanted to truly embrace the western side of the county. Both Dave and Deb did a fantastic job and we couldn’t have been prouder to have them involved,” said McNary.
Not only did they [Lyman’s] hold what can be considered as one of the most prestigious titles of a festival; they also are very community minded. The Heron couple also host Shakespeare in the Park performances says McNary. This only added to a long list of positives to have them involved in such a huge event that includes everyone from the county.
With all the moving parts in place for the biggest day of the festival, Saturday morning saw it all kick off with a pancake breakfast ahead of the parade. The local Fire Hall made sure that everyone received their fair share of a scrumptious Huckleberry pancake.
After breakfast event goers could double up to get a great viewing spot to watch friends and family take part in the Fun Run, and also get a prime position for the parade.
As runners cooled down, all entrants for the parade pulled together in line waiting for the all clear to begin.
“The Sheriffs Office is fantastic. We couldn’t do the parade as quickly if it wasn’t for their help. They block off the Highway safely and effectively so we are able to have a parade,” said McNary.
The parade began with members of the VFW walking and holding flags ahead of the Grand Marshal vehicle. As the members walked passed the crowd, you heard a round of applause stream line each side of the street.
Next came some awe-inspiring floats that were created in this year’s theme. Not to mention the candy that was tossed for kids on the sideline that could easily rival the excitement of the festival alone.
Floats came in all shapes and sizes, some with just a vehicle and group walking beside and behind.
The Public Lands Support of Sanders County float travelled towards the front of the parade line, and supporters apart of that float were serenading the crowd with ‘This Land Is Your Land’ as they moved down the street.
From old classic cars to 4-wheelers and even a number of locals on horseback, the crowd truly engaged with each participant of the parade.
Smokey Bear also made an appearance towards the tail end of the procession.
There was also support from the DNRC, US Forest Service, The Huckleberry Kids Talent Contest and the Libby Nordicfest that had some amazing floats entered.
Though it wasn’t just locals that took part in the parade. The Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums of Sandpoint Idaho, really got the crowd excited as they began their trek down the parade and eventually to the main stage of the festival for continued music and dancing.
“We never know what floats will turn up on the day, but we were very impressed to see so many this year and even a huge mountain move into line,” said McNary.
That mountain float she was talking about was all apart of the T.C. Community Church. An amazing effort that took a lot of time to put together, but it wasn’t just the mountain that was impressive. It was what you saw behind it as those walking in part of that float were dressed in their best hiking and outdoors gear. Adults and kids alike flanked both sides and some kids even attempted to camouflage on the back within all the plants and greenery that was showcased.
From goats leading in front of the 4-H Sanders County group to horse back riders taking part in multiple groups, local pets also took part in the spirit of the festival.
One group of young riders decided to display some basic trick riding while double banking on the two lead horses. The young cowboys in the ‘driving’ seat had some fantastic steeds underneath as the girls stood up on the backs as they walked down the line.
The Sanders County Dog Training club also took the attentions of many parade fans. With a fantastic float put together in the style of a doghouse, pooches and owners rode along the street with happy faces.
As the parade wrapped up after Smokey travelled through, one of the most heart warming participants was the lady on the push bike waving to everyone as they headed back to their vehicles or headed into the festival for more fun to be had.
Once the crowd of festival goers made their way towards the festival, the celebration of the Huckleberry kicked into full swing.
It was estimated that a crowd of 5-6 thousand would walk through the gates over the duration of the weekend.
“We always hope for big crowds, and with the looks of what we have seen so far, we should easily match last years number,” said McNary.
“We’ve also seen a great crop of Huckleberries this year and thats been great as we have enough to sell to people here on the grounds,” she added.
The ‘Purple Gold of Montana’, was certainly in high demand as plenty of festival goers took to getting their hands on a bag to take home.
Plenty of vendors also made their way to create some amazing set ups. From local quilting stalls showcasing amazing work to honey stalls, handmade jewelry and soap, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Linaka Fabric Arts of Trout Creek showcased an array of quilting products with their stall set up under a perfect shade tree to which made it all the more enticing to duck in and have a look.
Busy B Farms was back for another year selling their hand made goat soap, lotion and body scrub.
“This is one of my favorite festivals to attend. We sell so many products and have a lot of repeat local customers. The Huckleberry Festival just has the best people, best location and is run very well,” said Busy B Farms owner Tina Bothwell.
Kalispell local and retiree Ed Mueli only participates in a few festivals and events each year.
“I’ll definitely be back to the festival here,” he said.
Adding that though he is retired, the business is more of a hobby at the moment so he gets the luxury of selling exclusively at the festivals he chooses.
With bird feeders mirroring the Tasmanian devil, to a silly moose, people were constantly stopping to check out his handy work.
“This year we had a visit from The Glacier Tourism people, they heard about the event and how it has been growing, so they decided to come and check it out themselves,” said McNary.
“To have them come and see our Festival is a true testament to the volunteers that help put this together each year. It’s a team effort all the way around and even on the event days everyone is always looking to step and do more to make people really enjoy their time here,” she added.
The perfect summer days saw thousands of travelers and locals enjoying Trout Creek and the festival. What better way to say thanks then have a Huckleberry ice-cream stand to stop at to get yourself a cool sweet delight as you head back to the car after a day of fun in the sun.